The Oklahoma Department of Human Services’ counts of child maltreatment present a conundrum: How could cases of abuse plummet over six years while cases of neglect soar?
Child Care Becoming Scarcer as Costs, Closures Take Toll
|
Since 2012, the number of child care facilities has dropped by nearly one-quarter, putting parents in a pinch as they try to find places to take their kids. Industry representatives blame excessive regulation and subsidy income limits that exclude many parents who still struggle with the expense.
State Turns to Urgent Placement of Foster Kids with Relatives, Friends
|
Wanting to reduce the bouncing of foster children from home to home, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services is placing more kids immediately in homes of relatives, friends and others who never asked to be foster parents. The placements happen fast, which means there are risks.
Scholarship Schools Exclude Disabled Students from Discrimination Protections
|
Under state law, private schools in Oklahoma that offer tax-credit tuition scholarships must not discriminate in admissions against students with disabilities. But Oklahoma Watch found that most schools exclude such students from discrimination policies.
In School Sports, Hundreds of Concussions But Few Athletic Trainers to Prevent Them
|
Across the state, hundreds, if not thousands, of student athletes each year sustain a concussion. But most schools do not provide what health experts consider one of the best ways to prevent brain injuries: Have an athletic trainer on site.
Marijuana Drives Surge in Reports of Drug-Exposed Newborns
|
Oklahoma saw a record 517 reports of newborn infants who tested positive for dangerous drugs or alcohol last year. Much of the increase involved exposure to marijuana, with prescription drugs and meth also frequently detected.
Autopsies Reveal a March of Infant Deaths Tied to Unsafe Sleeping
|
Despite more than two decades of national and state safe-sleep campaigns, co-sleeping and other unsafe sleeping practices are playing a significant role in dozens of infant deaths across Oklahoma each year.
Safe Sleeping Dos and Don’ts
|
Here’s a list of things to do and not to do when it comes to sleeping practices involving an infant.
Will State’s Makeover of Developmental Disabilities Wait List Be Fair to Families?
|
As the waiting list for individualized services for developmentally disabled Oklahomans grows, the state Department of Human Services is considering changing the first-come, first-served approach to a priority system. It’s unclear how the system would work and whether it would be fair and effective.
Forum Video: Effects of State Budget Decisions on Children
|
Three leaders involved in children’s issues talk about the implications of state budget decisions on the lives of young people. Guests included state Sen. AJ Griffin, Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy CEO Joe Dorman, and Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth Director Lisa Smith.
Summer and After-School Programs Out of Reach for Many Parents
|
When school’s out, in summer or afternoon, many parents face a struggle. Research shows that children without access to summer and after-school learning programs can suffer academically, but finding good, affordable ones is an arduous task. Oklahoma provides no state funding, and a federal program could be eliminated.